Weltmusiksalon: “The Flying Carpet” No. 50 – Under the Open Sky

Matthias Frey.

The pianist and composer has developed a special ability to engage with other musical cultures, and this is evident in all his projects (multicultural ensembles, CD productions, world music festivals, film scores). Tours and music projects have taken him to East and West Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and China.

His chamber music compositions are a fascinating blend of contemporary tonal music, jazz, folkloric elements, Indian ragas, Eastern scales, new music, and minimal music.

He also plays the concert grand piano like a stringed instrument—without elaborate setups, simply through the direct and spontaneous interaction of his hands with the strings. He plucks, bows, and mutes the strings; produces artificial flageolets; and generates overtones and even quarter-tones. In this way, he creates an unmistakable sonic universe à la Matthias Frey.

Christopher Herrmann.

This exceptional cellist creates a wide variety of musical expressions on the baroque, modern, and electric cello. In addition to classical music and his interest in its modern interpretations, his curiosity about the music of other cultures has inspired him to develop his own musical language and unique playing techniques. His cello and violin playing meanders back and forth between emulating ancient traditions and a style entirely his own. In doing so, he never loses sight of the original source of the bowed sound: the human voice.

With the kind support of the Treptow-Köpenick District Office, Department of Culture and Museums.